FACSC Board of Trustee

Dr. Alexander Africa is originally from Lipa City, Philippines, and migrated to California in the 90s. President of the Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado (FACSC) with a mission to create positive social change through service and civic leadership. He is married to his beautiful wife, Gene, and they have three wonderful children. The Africas love to travel and learn about other cultures. They enjoy skiing in the beautiful Colorado mountains with family and friends. Dr. Africa believes in incorporating values of rectitude, principle, transparency, and regard for others to help promote and build better communities, leaders, collaboration, partnership, and social responsibility. Here are some of Dr. Africa's essential experiences, positions, and academic accomplishments.

Accomplishments, Experiences, and Key Positions:

• Executive Director (present)

• President National Federation of Filipino American Association (NaFFAA)

• President, FACSC (2021-2025)

• President and Executive Director, National Federation of Filipino American Association (NaFFAA) Region V (present)

• Founder A V Entertainment LLP

• United States Air Force Retired Veteran

• Multiple Iraq Tours

• Community of the College United States Air Force Services Academy Technical School Instructor

• Inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society

• Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business

Education:

• Doctoral in Management in Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Colorado Technical University

• ABD, Post Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Policy, Walden University

• Master of Business Administration, American Military University

• Bachelor of Arts in Management, American Military University

• Associate in Applied Science in Instructor of Technology in Military Science, Community College of the Air Force

• Associate in Applied Science in Restaurant, Hotel, and Hospitality Mgmt., Community College of the Air Force

• Magna Cum Laude (MBA)

Maddie Vines is a native of Colorado Springs and is the daughter of Cezar and Linda Muega who are long-time members of Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado. Maddie is married to Kevin Vines and they have one daughter Tia and two granddaughters, Maliya and Karuko. As a family, they enjoy golfing, bowling and traveling. Maddie has volunteered with the Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado since 2005 and served as a Public Servant for most of her adult life. Maddie aims to strengthen FACSC’s long-term vision by consistently advancing its mission, expanding visibility, generating financial support, attracting volunteers and donors, and maintaining strong partnerships within the community.

Accomplishments, Experiences, and Key Positions:

• President, Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado (present)

• NaFFAA National Trustee (present)

• Executive Director and Vice President, Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado (2023-2025)

• Senior Paralegal II for the Workers Compensation Unit of the Civil Litigation and Employment Practices, Colorado Attorney General’s Office (present)

• CEO of Vines Professional Services LLC

• Past Vice President, National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) Region V (2024-2025)

• Past Vice President, Advisor and Public Relations Officer, Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado

• Member of People of Disabilities ERG, Pan Asian American ERG, Older Adult Impact Team ERG, African American Caribbean Diaspora ERG, Mentorship Program and the Paralegal Steering Committee, Colorado Attorney General’s Office

• Chair of Directors At Large, Rocky Mountain Paralegal Association

• Member of Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Denver, Colorado

• Member of Sam Cary Bar Association, Denver, Colorado

• Former Division Manager of Juvenile Prosecution Unit, 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office

• Publication of Guidelines for the Utilization of Paralegals, Juvenile Litigation Paralegal (2008), Colorado Bar Association Board of Governors

• NaFFAA Region V 1997 Recipient of the Outstanding Advocate for Filipino/Filipino American Issues

• Inducted Member of Alpha Sigma Nu (Jesuit Honor Society), Regis University

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice with a Minor in Human Resources, Regis University

• Associates of Arts, Paralegal Studies, Blair Junior College

• Certified Notary Signing Agent, National Notary Association

• Magna Cum Laude, Regis University

Michele Liquete was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. Michele migrated to the United States at the beginning of the nineties. Michele has been married to army retired Edward Liquete for over 30 years and has three children and two beautiful granddaughters. In January 1996, the Army moved Michele and Edward to Colorado Springs, and they became part of the Filipino community until they moved to Peyton, CO. Michele is currently working as a branch manager in one of the local banks. She is an active member of the community, being the Co-Founder/ President of Acts of the Apostles, Ministry serving as a traveling minister, mission coordinator, and volunteer pastor. AOA Ministry is a non-denominational, multi-cultural ministry whose bedrock is teaching the full Gospel. Michele is also the owner/partner of Pinoy Cargo LBC Balikbayan services agent of Colorado. 

Accomplishments, Experiences, and Key Positions: 

• Vice President, Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado (present)

• Auditor, Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado (2023-2025)

• Founding President of Acts of the Apostles Ministry 2012 to Present 

• Owner Founder of Zoe Life Enterprises, to raise awareness on how to live a healthy and happy life. 

• Member of PASCCO, SBDC, Colorado Springs Chambers of Commerce 

• Community Reinvestment Act, Committee, Academy Bank 

• Employees Recognition and Awards, Committee, Academy Bank 

• Colorado Notary Public since 2002 and member of American Associations of Notaries 

• Certified Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) 

Education: 

• Master’s degree in biblical studies, Charis Bible College 

• Master’s degree in biblical leadership, Charis Bible College 

• Bachelor of Science in Management with Accounting minor, National American University 

Marie Fe Woods is the Secretary Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado. As a Southern Colorado Native, Marie Fe has served FACSC for as long as she can remember, from being one of the first youth members to a Fil-Am performer, Master of Ceremonies, and now an elected officer. Marie Fe has been happily married to her husband, Daryl, since 2016, and they have two beautiful daughters. She loves Colorado, especially the Fil-Am Community. She continues to serve and has been serving for over two decades. 

Accomplishments, Experiences, and Key Positions:

• Secretary, Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado (Present)

• Secretary, Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado 2022-2023

• Hines, Management Assistant

• Co-Founder & Directing of Marketing, Just Be

• Elected Board Director, Briargate Center Business Improvement District

• Office Coordinator, Poag Shopping Centers

• Softlines Team Lead, Target

• Youth Advisor, Boys and Girls Club

• NaFFAA Region V Outstanding Youth Award

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree, Communications, UCCS

• Spanish Minor, Universidad de Valladolid

• Executive Media Training, Red Energy Public Relations (Certified)

Lani M. Mraczek arrived in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2009 and is married to Thomas Mraczek who is now retired from the US Army. They have 2 children Julia who is now married and Michael still in High School. Lani is working as a part time teacher/caregiver at Peterson Child Development Center. Lani has been a long time member for the Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado since 2017.

Accomplishments, Experiences, and Key Positions:

• Treasurer (present)

• Radio Operator for 7 years in one of a Civic Group in Baguio City  Philippines

• Overseas Foreign Worker in Hongkong for 8 years

• Caregiver for the elderly for 6 years

• Walmart as an online shopper. 

Education:

• Communication Operator and Computer Secretarial Course 

Lenie De Castro was born in the Philippines. She Immigrated in the United States at the age of 29 when she married her childhood friend, Florian de Castro. Florian and Lenie knew each other since they were 5 years old. They are blessed with 1 child, “Dylan”. Lenie’s mission is to provide a legacy of opportunities for children by providing access to academic resources specializing in building the student’s skills, confidence, and motivation. Lenie has a desire to give back to the community by helping aspiring entrepreneurs, educational professionals, and immigrant, paying it forward, by providing similar opportunities that were provided to her when she arrived in the United States.

Accomplishments, Experiences, and Key Positions:

• Treasurer (present)

• Lenie is the Executive Officer of Huntington Learning Center (HLC) - Colorado Springs (COS) , she is the key and the staunch advocate of all things happening in the education in Colorado Springs and El Paso County. Huntington is able to serve 650 students in developing academic skills in all subjects including testing preparation since they opened from December 2017 up to present.

• In 2012, Lenie’s overseas experience with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) exposed her to the 28-nation cultures of the NATO countries. 

•  In 2017, Florian retired from the Air Force after serving 21 years. They started their first business in Real State. Florian and Lenie acquired their second business and opened up the Colorado Springs and Southern Colorado territory for the Huntington Learning Center (HLC) franchise. 

• CEO of De Castro Consolidated, Inc and is the Executive Director for HLC’s day-to-day operation. 

• December 2023, Florian and Lenie started an Artificial Intelligence (AI) consultant company specializing in helping small businesses incorporate AI in their operations. Lenie learned a lot over the past decade as their family businesses grew.

• Joined the Dela Vega Foundation (helping & providing services for children with Autism Spectrum)

• Completed ELD Leadership Series through the El Pomar Foundation (contributing to the success and vitality of the communities and non- profits through leadership development and community engagement programs). 

• Lenie became involved in the Filipino community and joined the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Southern Colorado (PACCSOCo) where she served as Vice President & Executive Secretary from January 2023 to May 16, 2024.

• Board Director for Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce Foundation (serving women in the community for career advancement through education and leadership development). 

• Co-Founder of the new Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Colorado (FACCCo).

• Nominated and became a finalist for the Small Business Recognition award in El Paso County on April 29, 2024 in Colorado Springs for the category of “Small Business Person of the Year.

• Lenie is the co-host of The Huntington Way Show. The Huntington Way Show is on KPPF Radio / Power Talk 1040 AM / 98.5 FM / 95.7 FM, streamed live on PowerTalk1040.com, past episodes on the Podbean podcast platform, and videos of the show on the Power Talk 1040 AM - KPPF Radio YouTube channel.

Joey Bautista has been an active member of the Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado (FACSC) for over 24 years. He has held several positions such as Vice President, Advisor, Public Relation Chairperson and Coordinator for the annual Colorado Springs Veterans Day parade. He has helped coordinate multiple successful Consulate on Wheels Outreach visits from the Philippine Consulate General of San Francisco to Colorado Springs. He is originally from Pangasinan, Philippines. After graduating college, he enlisted in the U.S. Army at Clark Air Force Base, Philippines. While in the United States Army, he deployed and participated in Operation Return Forces to Germany (REFORGER), Operation Sea Signal (Cuba), Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving different leadership positions. Upon retirement after 24 years of Army service, Joey realized his work with his Army family was not complete and joined the Department of Defense, Fort Carson Army Community Service as their Army Volunteer Manager. He served with them for 20 years, during which he supervised more than fourteen Fort Carson volunteer agencies with seven thousand registered volunteers. He was responsible for organizing family-oriented programs such as the Family Readiness Group, Fort Carson Mayoral Program, National Night Out, Make a Difference Day, Volunteer Appreciation Day, and the annual Asian Pacific Heritage Celebration. Currently, Joey volunteers at Lady of Fort Carson Catholic Church as the Head of Usher Ministry and Head Event Coordinator. He also serves as an Extraordinary Lay Minister and is a key member of the Fort Carson Knight of Columbus in his role as Financial Secretary. Joey has been happily married to Aurora Bautista for 43 years, and together, they have three beautiful daughters, four grandsons, and one granddaughter. He is enjoying retirement with his family, spending time with his grandchildren, and has been busy traveling with his beautiful wife.

Mrs. Nora Elefante, the NaFFAA Region V Lifetime Achievement Award and FACSC Hall of Fame recipient, stands as a dedicated advocate within our Filipino-American community, leaving an indelible mark through unwavering commitments to health, economic sustainability, education, community service, civic engagement, and humanitarian relief efforts. Her leadership in selfless service for FACSC sets an example for the Fil-Am community to emulate, impacting the preservation of rich traditions and fostering inclusivity. Mrs. Elefante's journey showcases a commitment to health, economic prosperity, and education, actively fundraising for various causes and leveraging her network for community support. Her civil service career and awards underscore her dedication to healthcare and education. Nora has been married to Jun Elefante 47 years. They have 4 children  David, Dwight  Derrick and Maribeth. They have 7 grandchildren , Emi, Mikaila, Xavier, Freya, Athena, Atlas and Mia Rose. They have been in the community since the organization started. Nora Elefante is currently the Chairperson of  the Pageant Committee, and she served numerous positions in the organization as a Treasurer , Auditor and Chairman of the Pageant.

Ruby was born in Laoag City, Philippines and Mati Ioapo was born and raised in Western Samoa. The Rosete family and Mati both migrated to Honolulu, Hawaii in Sept. 1971 where Ruby went to school and met her husband Mati Ioapo and married in 1975.  In 1976, her husband immediately embarked on his military career where he served proudly and honorably for over 25 years. While serving they were stationed in Berlin, Germany where their two daughters were born and back in the US, they were stationed in the New York, Texas, Hawaii,, Washington State, Georgia where their son was born and moved to the beautiful city of Colorado Springs in 1996 where they decided to retire. Ruby was a banker for over 30 years. They joined the FACSC in the same year and have been active ever since. They both served as Presidents and currently serve on the Board of Trustees. Ruby R. Ioapo served as President of the FACSC for four terms, total of eight years. Mati was elected and served as President of the FACSC from 2001- 2002. He also served as chairperson of the scholarship committee for over 10 years. Mati was recently elected to one of the Board of Trustees positions of the FACSC. They have three children Rosalynn, Michelle and Jonathan and two grandchildren Vaiosina and Anderson.